Winter Appeal 2024

Emergency Appeal

A group of over 270 Palestinian medical students, previously enrolled in their final year of studies in Gaza, has been continuing their education in Pakistan. The first batch, comprising 27 students pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), has successfully completed its coursework.&nbsp; To commemorate this milestone, a farewell ceremony was organized at the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), where the students were recognized for their academic achievements.

The Chief Guest of the event was Chairman PMDC, while other distinguished guests included President AlKhidmat Foundation Pakistan, Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan and Principal of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University Rawalpindi.

The event recognized the hard work and commitment of Palestinian students, and awarded them certificates of appreciation. On behalf of Pakistan, this event was not only a symbol of educational cooperation but also an expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

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Press Conference

Farewell ceremony for Palestinian medical students – a show of solidarity from Pakistan

Women&rsquo;s involvement spans various sectors, including disaster response, health care, education, refuge support, and advocacy. They often act as leaders, fieldworkers, and community organizers, particularly in situations where gender-specific challenges are present.

&nbsp;

At&nbsp;Alkhidmat Foundation, we have inspiring women working on the front line of aid delivery, both in emergency response and in lifting communities out of poverty.

It&rsquo;s heart- warming to see women leading in campaigning for change, whether that&rsquo;s calling for gender justice or tackling climate change. Many of these issues-from poverty to conflict &ndash;adversely affect women.&nbsp;Alkhidmat Foundation offers a variety of opportunities for female volunteers to actively participate in humanitarian and community service projects. The foundation&#39;s Women Wing Trust, established in 1990, is dedicated to philanthropy, education, and women&#39;s empowerment.

Women are core part of the Alkhidmat&rsquo;s Volnteer section,serving the organization in so many key roles such as humanitarians, leaderships, rescue, organizers, counselors etc. &nbsp;So much of its work depends upon volunteers accessing other women and getting to the heart of their concerns and needs.

&nbsp;

Volunteer Opportunities:

Humanitarian Projects: Female volunteers can engage in various initiatives aimed at providing relief and support to underserved communities.

Educational Programs: Opportunities are available to assist in educational activities, including teaching and organizing events that promote learning and awareness.

Skill Development: The foundation offers vocational training programs where volunteers can contribute by teaching skills that empower women and promote self-sufficiency.

&nbsp;

Key Areas of Female contribution in Humanitarian work 

Healthcare and Medical Assistance

Women often serve as nurses, doctors, community health workers, providing critical healthcare in crisis zones, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and women.

Disaster Relief and Response

Female volunteers contribute to both short term disaster relief and long term recovery efforts. Their roles may include delivering food, building shelters, or providing emotional support to affected populations. Recent Gaza ceasefire Alkhidmat&rsquo;s female volunteers&rsquo; role is great.

&nbsp;

<img alt="" src="https://alkhidmat.org/backend/images/region/blog/ckeditor-images/174141291667cbda3427561.jpg" style="width: 733px; height: 550px;" />

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Refuge Assistance

In Gaza 15 month long war left thousands of displaced families. Female volunteers helping to ensure the safety of women and children. They help with distributing aid, offering psychological support, and facilitating access to essential services.<img alt="" src="https://alkhidmat.org/backend/images/region/blog/ckeditor-images/174141226167cbd7a52d030.jpeg" style="width: 731px; height: 550px;" />

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In Pakistan, Alkhidmat foundation Emergency aid volunteer , Amna Waqar also a student at UMT Lahore, said that she has been participating in all community services drives including Ration Drives, hygiene kit packing, youth Gathering, Bano Qabil since last fifteen months. She further said that this humanitarian work has developed a sense of brotherhood in a society which is promoting women empowerment and healthier community.

Here&rsquo;s how at Alkhidmat Foundation Female volunteers are usually involved in such drives:

Food Packing and Distribution: Volunteers work together to pack food items such as rice, lentils, flour, sugar, cooking oil, and other essentials. These packed items are then distributed to vulnerable populations in Gaza. Volunteers ensure that the food is packed efficiently and safely.

Raising Awareness: Volunteers often help raise awareness about the food drives through social media, community outreach, and events. This helps garner support and donations for the ongoing efforts.

Fundraising: Volunteers may also be involved in fundraising activities to support the food drives. They may organize events, campaigns, or coordinate with donors to raise funds that will be used to purchase the food and supplies for Gaza

Community Engagement: Volunteers typically work with local communities to identify those most in need. They help in ensuring that aid reaches the most vulnerable, including families, children, and the elderly.

Collaboration: Alkhidmat Foundation works with other humanitarian organizations, local governments, and international aid agencies to ensure the food distribution reaches the people of Gaza in an organized manner. Volunteers may assist in coordinating with these various entities.

Packing Kits for Medical or Hygiene Supplies: Sometimes, along with food items, volunteers might also pack hygiene kits or medical supplies, such as first aid kits, which are critical in crisis situations like those in Gaza.

&nbsp;

<img alt="" src="https://alkhidmat.org/backend/images/region/blog/ckeditor-images/174141243767cbd855be9e2.jpeg" style="width: 731px; height: 550px;" />

These volunteer efforts are crucial in ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it the most during difficult times, providing not just food, but hope and support for people suffering in Gaza.

Challenges women face in Humanitarian work

<ul>
	<li>Cultural Barriers</li>
	<li>Gender-based Violence</li>
	<li>Leadership Role</li>
</ul>

<div>
How Alkhidmat Assists Female Volunteers

Alkhidmat pays special attention to female volunteers&rsquo; safety and protection.&nbsp; Female volunteers and aid workers don&rsquo;t have to face gender &ndash; based violence or harassment in conflict zones. In some regions, cultural norms may limit women&rsquo;s participation in humanitarian work while, Alkhidmat implements practical approach to integrate them into relief efforts. &nbsp;As women&rsquo;s contribution to humanitarian efforts is great, Alkhidmat makes sure representation of this significant workforce in decision making and leadership positions. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Alkhidmat&rsquo;s humanitarian section works to eliminate these obstacles. They invest in female leadership in humanitarian work and also support women with more resources to fulfill their potential. Overall females in humanitarian work bring crucial skills and perspectives that contribute to both immediate relief and long-term community development.

By joining Alkhidmat Foundation Lahore, female volunteers can make a meaningful impact through community service, skill development, and empowerment initiatives.

&nbsp;

How to get involved in Volunteering?

Visit the Official Website: The Alkhidmat Foundation&#39;s official website provides detailed information about their volunteer programs and opportunities. They have sections dedicated to how you can volunteer, support their projects, or contribute in other ways. Visit Alkhidmat Foundation for more details.

Register for Volunteering: Many volunteer programs require prior registration. You can usually fill out an online volunteer registration form on their website or directly contact your local chapter to express your interest in volunteering.

Participate in Campaigns or Events: Look out for any fundraising, blood donation, or relief work campaigns organized by Alkhidmat. These initiatives often require volunteers, and you can contribute by attending these events or helping out with organizing them.

Specific Areas of Volunteering: Alkhidmat Foundation is involved in various sectors, such as healthcare, education, disaster relief, and community development. You can inquire about volunteering in specific areas that interest you. Some programs may require special skills, so clarify your interests and expertise when you register.

&nbsp;Follow their official Facebook page. Connect with the community and view updates through their Instagram profile.
</div>

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Honoring Women Volunteers: The Hidden Champions of Social Change and Empowerment for International Women's Day

Alkhidmat Foundation, a prominent non-profit organization in Pakistan, has played an essential role in empowering women through various initiatives, including its Islamic microfinance programs.

These microfinance programs align with the principles of Islamic finance, which emphasizes fairness, transparency, and social welfare, while helping economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly women, to uplift their living standards.

Here are some key ways that Alkhidmat Foundation&#39;s Islamic microfinance initiatives contribute to women&#39;s empowerment.

1. Access to Financial Resources

Interest-Free Loans (Qarz-e-Hasna): These loans allow women to start or expand businesses without the burden of interest, promoting financial independence.

Affordable Credit: Designed for accessibility, these loans cater to women who may lack collateral or credit history, enabling them to secure funding.

2. Economic Empowerment

Micro-loans facilitate the establishment of small businesses (e.g., tailoring, food processing), fostering self-reliance and confidence. Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan&#39;s &quot;Loan for Orphan&#39;s Mother&quot; program, under its Islamic Microfinance (AKIM) initiative, provides interest-free loans up to Pkr 100,000 to mothers of orphaned children. These loans empower them to start small businesses, such as tailoring, embroidery, beauty parlors, grocery stores, and more, promoting financial independence and self-reliance. &nbsp;

<img alt="" src="https://alkhidmat.org/backend/images/region/blog/ckeditor-images/174142832467cc1664329b4.jpg" style="width: 350px; height: 350px;" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img alt="" src="https://alkhidmat.org/backend/images/region/blog/ckeditor-images/174142848667cc17060a8cd.jpg" style="width: 350px; height: 350px;" />

3. Training Programs

The foundation runs various vocational training programs that help women learn practical skills such as sewing, stitching, embroidery, cooking, and computer literacy. Accompanying training in business management and marketing enhances women&#39;s capabilities to run successful enterprises. Alkhidmat also provides women with the tools to manage businesses, including training in financial literacy, marketing, and leadership skills, thus boosting their entrepreneurial capabilities.

4.&nbsp; Alkhidmat Bano Qabil Program aims to equip female students with IT skills for self-reliance.&nbsp;The program strives to enable the female students to work online from home and improve their financial status. This initiative, an essential step for women&#39;s development, aims to foster a society where prosperity, growth, and independence thrive

5. Educational Support and Scholarships

Alkhidmat Foundation provides educational scholarships to girls and women, helping them pursue their studies without financial barriers. Education is a key factor in women&rsquo;s empowerment, and these scholarships enable them to access higher education and professional development opportunities.

<img alt="" src="https://alkhidmat.org/backend/images/region/blog/ckeditor-images/174142864567cc17a5187fc.png" style="width: 350px; height: 350px;" />&nbsp;<img alt="" src="https://alkhidmat.org/backend/images/region/blog/ckeditor-images/174143590767cc340361290.jpeg" style="width: 350px; height: 350px;" />

6. Community Development and Advocacy

Alkhidmat also engages in various social welfare programs that directly benefit women, such as food distribution and disaster relief efforts, which help women in times of crisis. The program helps dismantle societal barriers that restrict women&#39;s economic participation, promoting gender equality. In return, empowered women often become role models, driving the agenda for gender equity in their communities.

7. Empowering Women in Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation

Alkhidmat actively involves women in its disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts, giving them a platform to contribute to their communities and take on leadership roles in the process. Through various initiatives, Alkhidmat helps women develop leadership skills and become more active in their communities.

The Islamic microfinance program exemplifies a multifaceted approach to empowering women, combining financial support with skills development, social recognition, and advocacy for gender equality. By addressing both economic and social dimensions, it fosters a more equitable society where women can thrive as entrepreneurs and leaders.

How Alkhidmat Empowering Women in 2025 through Islamic Microfinance Solutions

&nbsp;The new batch of Alkhidmat-supported female Palestinian students from Gaza has arrived in Pakistan to pursue their education on Alkhidmat scholarships. Upon their arrival at Islamabad Airport, they were warmly welcomed by President Alkhidmat Prof. Dr. Hafeez ur Rahman, Vice President Alkhidmat Air Marshal (R) Arshad Malik, Director of the Palestine Education Scholarship Program Dr. Saad Zafar, Colonel (R) Saif ur Rehman, Altaf Sher, representatives of the Palestinian Embassy, airport officials, and other dignitaries. The students were also presented with flowers and Palestinian scarves.

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A group of over 270 Palestinian medical students, previously enrolled in their final year of studies in Gaza, has been continuing their education in Pakistan. Recently first batch, comprising 27 students pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), has successfully completed its coursework.&nbsp;To commemorate this milestone, a farewell ceremony was organized at the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), where the students were recognized for their academic achievements.&nbsp;

A New Chapter Begins: Alkhidmat Welcomes Palestinian Students from Gaza at Islamabad Airport

Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan has a longstanding tradition of serving underprivileged communities, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. In March 2025, the organization inaugurated the Alkhidmat Ramadan Food Hub in Lahore, aiming to provide rations to deserving individuals throughout the month.

This initiative is part of Alkhidmat&#39;s broader commitment to humanitarian service, ensuring that no one goes hungry during Ramadan. The foundation has a longstanding tradition of providing food assistance during this sacred time, reaffirming its dedication to alleviating hunger and poverty.

Strategic Locations and Establishment

Alkhidmat&rsquo;s decision to set up food hubs in several cities displays a broad and systematic approach to food distribution during Ramadan. Recognizing that need transcends mere geographic barriers; the organization has established hubs across diverse urban areas, including major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Hyderabad. This deliberate spatial distribution ensures that no community is left without assistance, regardless of their location.

<img alt="" src="https://alkhidmat.org/backend/images/region/blog/ckeditor-images/174124499367c94a412d51d.jpeg" style="width: 1280px; height: 1600px;" />

In addition to the central hub, multiple distribution points have been set up throughout Lahore to serve deserving communities. For instance, a recent report highlights that the Food Hub has been established in various locations within the city to facilitate Ramadan ration distribution. Each hub is strategically placed in areas with a high concentration of needy families. The hubs serve as critical centers where community members can easily access ration packages.

In Lahore, the <a href="http://google.com" target="_blank">Food Hub</a> has been set up at Karamat Colony Center. This initiative is part of Alkhidmat&#39;s broader mission to serve needy communities during Suhoor and Iftar throughout Ramadan

In Karachi, Alkhidmat has established multiple &quot;Food Hubs&quot; throughout the city, with the central hub located in North Karachi. These hubs facilitate the preparation and distribution of ration bags containing essential Ramadan items. The prepared rations are then delivered to district offices for distribution to deserving families.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Alkhidmat has organized events in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the distribution of Ramadan Ration Packs. These packs are designed to alleviate the financial burden on families, allowing them to observe the holy month with peace of mind.

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Key Features of Hub Formation

The food hub setups have been meticulously planned with the following in mind:

<ul>
	<li>Proximity to heavily populated areas to maximize reach.</li>
	<li>Infrastructural willingness to store and distribute quality food.</li>
	<li>Accessibility for volunteers and recipients alike.</li>
	<li>Integration with local community centers to streamline operations.</li>
</ul>

By tailoring these hubs to suit local needs, Alkhidmat ensures that food distribution is efficient, timely, and impactful. Each hub is a testament to the organization&rsquo;s innovative approach to community service, reducing the risk of hunger by ensuring that food is delivered where it is most needed.

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<img alt="" src="https://alkhidmat.org/backend/images/region/blog/ckeditor-images/174124516067c94ae88efc4.jpeg" style="width: 1600px; height: 1066px;" />

The Composition of Ration Packages

Essential Food Items

A core component of Alkhidmat&rsquo;s initiative is the comprehensive nature of its ration packages. These packages have been thoughtfully curated to cover the nutritional requirements necessary to sustain families during Ramadan. The items typically found in these packages include:

<ul>
	<li>Rice &ndash; a staple to provide energy and fill the meal.</li>
	<li>Flour &ndash; essential for making bread and other basic items.</li>
	<li>Sugar &ndash; necessary for sweetening beverages and desserts.</li>
	<li>Cooking Oil &ndash; to prepare meals in a nutritious manner.</li>
	<li>Tea &ndash; for beverages which are culturally significant during gatherings.</li>
	<li>Chickpeas and Lentils &ndash; a valuable source of protein and fiber.</li>
	<li>Dates &ndash; for breaking the fast, recognized as a traditional and healthy option.</li>
</ul>

Additionally, some packages may include other important food supplies such as powdered milk, gram flour, and additional staples to cater to the regional dietary needs. The overall valuation of these comprehensive packages is approximately PKR 7,000 per package, ensuring that families have all they need for a sustained period during Ramadan.

&nbsp;

Community Engagement and Volunteer Involvement

The Role of Volunteers

A significant aspect that underpins the success of Alkhidmat&rsquo;s Food Hubs is the enthusiastic involvement of volunteers. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of the distribution effort, assisting with packing, organizing, and delivering vast numbers of ration packages. The reliance on volunteer support not only enhances the reach of the initiative but also fosters a strong sense of community ownership and participation.

Volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that each package is assembled to meet the requisite standards and delivered promptly to families in need. Their contribution goes beyond logistics; they embody the spirit of Ramadan by continuously engaging with community members and providing emotional as well as practical support throughout the month.

Visualization of the Distribution Process

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Stage&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

			&nbsp;
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Description
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Key Elements
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Collection
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Procurement and storage of food items from suppliers.
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Warehousing, inventory management, quality control.
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Assembly
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Packing of food items into complete ration packages.
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Volunteer involvement, standardized package contents, quality assurance.
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Distribution at Hubs
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Setting up designated distribution centers in various cities.
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Accessibility, location strategy, local coordination.

			&nbsp;
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Last-Mile Delivery
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Delivering packages to the doorsteps of needy families.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Efficient routing, community mobilizers, tracking systems.

			&nbsp;
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Transparency and Reporting

&nbsp;

Alkhidmat maintains a transparent approach by providing regular updates and detailed reports on their Food Hubs initiative, which are available through multiple channels such as social media updates, and community bulletins. This transparency builds trust amongst donors, volunteers, and the beneficiaries themselves, ensuring that every stakeholder is informed about the ongoing process and the impact that their collective efforts have on society.

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Statistical Overview of the Initiative

&nbsp;

The following table provides a summary of the operational aspects associated with the Food Hubs initiative

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			&nbsp; &nbsp;Matric&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

			&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Details
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Approximate Figures
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Number of Hubs
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Cities with established Food Hubs including Lahore, Karachi, and Hyderabad
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			3 to 5 major cities
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Ration Package Value
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Comprehensive package including essentials such as rice, flour, sugar, oil, and dates,chana daal, Basin
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			PKR 7,000 per package

			&nbsp;
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Volunteer Participation
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Support in packaging, handling, and distribution of food items
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Hundreds of active volunteers
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Beneficiaries
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Families in need receiving daily sustenance during Ramadan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Thousands of households
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Distribution Method
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			Multi-stage delivery from central warehouses to community hubs and doorstep
			</td>
			<td style="width:213px;">
			delivery&nbsp;&nbsp;Streamlined and efficient process
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

This detailed breakdown illustrates the thorough planning and robust management strategies that Alkhidmat employs to ensure the success of its food distribution initiative during the holy month.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

To support this noble cause, you can donate online through our website. Your contributions will help ensure that underprivileged families receive the necessary food supplies during Ramadan, allowing them to fully participate in the blessings of the month.